(February 2nd, 2026) – Credential Engine, in partnership with the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) and the Education and Employment Research Center (EERC) at Rutgers University, and in collaboration with the American Council on Education (ACE) and the University of Colorado Boulder, announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) to support research for the development of a standardized credential information label. This label is intended to provide essential information about credentials to facilitate better decision-making for learners, employers, educators, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
The U.S. credential marketplace includes more than 1.85 million unique credentials offered by over 134,000 providers, making it difficult for stakeholders to compare options and understand outcomes. This RFP seeks a qualified organization or person to design, recruit, facilitate, and analyze focus groups with key stakeholder populations to inform the development of a standardized credential information label.
The RFP calls for proposals from organizations with demonstrated experience in qualitative research and stakeholder engagement across education and workforce systems. Focus groups will include a diverse set of audiences, such as secondary and postsecondary students, guidance counselors, incumbent workers, employers, HR professionals, and policymakers, to identify shared information needs and practical design recommendations for the credential label.
Qualified organizations are invited to submit proposals by February 17th. Full details on the scope of work, eligibility requirements, and submission process are available in the RFP.
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About Credential Engine: Credential Engine is a nonprofit whose mission is to map the credential and skills landscape with clear information, fueling the creation of resources that empower people to discover and pursue the learning and career pathways that are best for them. Credential Engine provides a suite of web-based services, including an open Credential Registry to house up-to-date information about all credentials and skills, the Credential Transparency Description Language (CTDL), a common description language to enable credential comparability, and a platform to support customized applications to search and retrieve information about credentials and skills. Learn more: credentialengine.org.
About American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO): Founded in 1910, AACRAO is a nonprofit, voluntary, professional association of 18,000 higher-education professionals who represent roughly 2,300 institutions in more than 40 countries. AACRAO represents institutions in every part of the higher education community, from large public institutions to small, private liberal arts colleges. Its mission is to provide professional development, guidelines, and voluntary standards to be used by higher-education officials regarding the best practices in records management, admissions, enrollment management, administrative information technology, and student services. Research, guidance, and best practices are shared with members and other higher-education stakeholders through training, publications, journals, and consulting services. Visit: aacrao.org.Â
About the Education and Employment Research Center (EERC) at Rutgers University: Rutgers’ Education and Employment Research Center (EERC) is a nonprofit research organization housed within the School of Management and Labor Relations. EERC conducts research and evaluation on programs and policies at the intersection of education and employment. Our work strives to improve policy and practice so that institutions may provide educational programs and pathways that ensure individuals obtain the education needed for success in the workplace, and employers have a skilled workforce to meet their human resource needs. For more information on our mission and current research, visit smlr.rutgers.edu.